{"id":11747,"date":"2026-04-10T12:31:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11747"},"modified":"2026-05-20T14:46:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T13:46:49","slug":"how-to-fill-in-the-v5c-when-selling-a-car-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-fill-in-the-v5c-when-selling-a-car-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car? (UK Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common mistake when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">selling a car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is failing to fill out the V5C correctly. This can lead to penalties and unexpected letters months later. If you want a smooth sale, this simple guide walks you through how to fill in the V5C and register a new keeper the right way.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways: How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always complete the correct section before handing over the car.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete Section 2 when selling to a private buyer and Section 4 if it&#8217;s a dealer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give the buyer the green slip and keep the remaining document.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-change-ownership-of-a-car\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notify the DVLA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediately, ideally online.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mistakes or delays can result in fines or liability after the sale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confirmation from the DVLA officially ends your responsibility for the vehicle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Sell Your Car Efficiently\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Not sure about your V5C or already completed the paperwork? Get multiple instant offers from trusted UK car buyers, with free collection and no hidden hassle. Sell with confidence today.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell My Car<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a V5C Logbook?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A V5C logbook, also known as a V5, is the official vehicle registration document issued by the DVLA. It records who is responsible for registering and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-tax-a-car-without-v5\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taxing a vehicle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common misunderstandings is that the V5C proves ownership. It does not. The document simply shows who keeps and uses the vehicle on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside the logbook, you will find key information about the vehicle, including the registration number, VIN, fuel type, engine size, colour, and keeper history. There will also be the name and address of the registered keeper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you sell a car, this document allows the DVLA to transfer responsibility from you to the new keeper.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a V5 Look Like?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F04%2Fold-vs-new-V5C-fill-in-the-V5C.png&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"old vs new V5C - fill in the V5C\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The current V5C is printed as a red A4 document folded into several pages. Older versions were blue, but both serve the same purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The logbook contains numbered sections designed for different situations such as selling the car, changing keeper details, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-scrap-a-car-in-the-uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scrapping the vehicle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or exporting it abroad. Each section has a specific role, which is why filling in the correct part is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will also notice a detachable green slip included within the document. This small section becomes important during a sale because it allows the buyer to tax the vehicle immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>V5C Sections Explained<\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Section<\/td>\n<td>Purpose<\/td>\n<td>When to Use<\/td>\n<td>Who Does It<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 1<\/td>\n<td>Vehicle details update<\/td>\n<td>When you modify the car (colour, engine, fuel type)<\/td>\n<td>Seller posts to DVLA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 2<\/td>\n<td>Selling or transfer<\/td>\n<td>Selling privately or to family<\/td>\n<td>Seller notifies DVLA (online or post)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 3<\/td>\n<td>Personal details update<\/td>\n<td>Change of name or address<\/td>\n<td>Keeper updates DVLA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 4<\/td>\n<td>Sale to trader<\/td>\n<td>Selling to dealer, <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/selling-a-car-at-auction\/\">auction<\/a>, or scrap yard<\/td>\n<td>Seller completes, trader keeps rest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 5<\/td>\n<td>Export vehicle<\/td>\n<td>Taking car abroad for 12+ months<\/td>\n<td>Keeper sends to DVLA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 6<\/td>\n<td>Green slip (V5C\/2)<\/td>\n<td>Proof of sale for buyer<\/td>\n<td>Buyer keeps for taxing vehicle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car (Step-by-Step)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of completing a V5C is straightforward once you understand which section applies to your situation. Whether you are selling privately or trading the vehicle in, the goal is the same:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Selling to a Private Buyer (Section 2)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When selling your car privately, you will need to complete Section 2 of the V5C. This part records the details of the new keeper and confirms the specific date when keeper responsibility transfers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should carefully enter the buyer\u2019s full name and address, making sure the postcode is accurate. Both parties must then sign the form to confirm the transfer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Provide the &#8220;Green Slip&#8221; (Section 6)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After filling in the main transfer section, you must detach the green slip, officially known as the V5C\/2, and hand it to the buyer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section includes the car registration number, reference number, date of sale, and the car\u2019s tax class.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This slip acts as temporary confirmation that they are now responsible for the vehicle. It allows the new keeper to tax the car immediately and drive it legally while waiting for their updated V5C to arrive from the DVLA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Selling to a Dealer or Trader (Section 4)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are part-exchanging your car or selling it directly to a dealer, auction house, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car buying service<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a different section applies. Section 4 is used to record the details of the dealership or trade buyer taking possession of the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will enter the business name, address, car\u2019s mileage, and date of sale. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/car-sourcing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dealers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often manage registration changes regularly, but it is still sensible to ensure the transfer has been completed properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose How to Notify the DVLA<\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\">After completing the correct section of the V5C, you must inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been sold.<\/p>\n<p>You can do this in one of two ways. Only use one method.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Method 1: How to Register a New Keeper Online?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering a new keeper online is now the quickest and safest way to complete a car sale in the UK. The process only takes a few minutes and immediately updates:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Tear Out the Green Slip<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before going online, look for Section 6 (the green V5C\/2 slip) inside your V5C logbook. This section contains the 11-digit reference number needed to complete the keeper transfer digitally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buyer keeps the green slip after the sale, but you will need the information printed on it to notify the DVLA online. Make sure the logbook has been filled in correctly before starting the online process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Go to GOV.UK<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the official DVLA change of keeper service through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/sold-bought-vehicle\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GOV.UK<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Always use the government website rather than third-party services to avoid unnecessary fees or <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/scams-selling-a-car-cash\/\">scams<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once on the page, select the option to tell the DVLA you have sold or transferred your vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Select Your Sale Type<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll be asked if you sold the car to a private person or a motor trader (like a garage or a buying service). This step is important because the legal paperwork differs for each.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Enter Vehicle Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will need your car&#8217;s registration number and the 11-digit Document Reference Number from the front of your V5C. This confirms you are the registered keeper making the change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Enter Buyer Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type in the new owner&#8217;s name and address. Always suggest adding their email address too; they\u2019ll get an instant confirmation, which builds huge trust between you and the buyer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>6. Confirm and Submit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double-check the date of sale! Once you hit submit, the car is officially no longer recorded as the registered keeper. You\u2019ll get an email confirmation instantly. Note: Once you&#8217;ve done this step, you must destroy your old physical logbook.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Method 2: Notify the DVLA by Post<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"175\">If you prefer using the paper logbook, you can notify the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">DVLA<\/span><\/span> by post once the sale has been completed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"291\">After filling in the correct section of the V5C, carefully detach the relevant part of the logbook and send it to:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"293\" data-end=\"320\"><strong data-start=\"293\" data-end=\"320\">DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"503\">The section you post depends on how you sold the vehicle. Section 2 applies when selling privately, while Section 4 is used if the car is sold or part-exchanged with a motor trader.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What If I\u2019ve Lost My V5C? (The V62 Process)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most sellers don&#8217;t expect to lose a V5C, but it doesn&#8217;t stop them from selling their car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the logbook is missing, you will need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form through the DVLA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The V62 application requests basic vehicle and keeper details so the DVLA can issue a new logbook. There is usually a small fee of \u00a325.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes That Lead to DVLA Fines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selling a car is straightforward, but small errors can leave you legally responsible. The most common mistakes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Failing to notify the DVLA:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the DVLA isn\u2019t informed, the vehicle remains registered in your name, leaving you liable for fines or penalties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Handing over the full V5C without completing the transfer section:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This removes proof that the DVLA was notified and can cause disputes later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Entering incorrect buyer details:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Misspelt names, missing flat numbers, or wrong postcodes can delay registration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Forgetting to update your own address first:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019ve moved house and didn&#8217;t tell the DVLA, then try to sell your car using an old V5C, you can be fined up to \u00a31,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relying on dealers or buyers to complete the paperwork<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Legally, responsibility stays with you until the DVLA records are updated.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I keep any part of the V5C?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. When you sell a car, you should always keep the remaining part of the V5C after giving the buyer the green slip (V5C\/2). This part acts as proof that you notified the DVLA of the sale. Never hand over the full logbook without completing the correct section.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What information do I need to provide to the DVLA if I sell my car?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When notifying the DVLA of a sale, you will need the vehicle registration number, the reference number from the V5C, and the buyer\u2019s full name and address. If you\u2019re selling to a dealer, their business name and address are required instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I sell without a V5C?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can, but it\u2019s less straightforward. If your V5C is lost, you need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form from the DVLA. While waiting for the new logbook, you can still sell the car, but it\u2019s crucial to notify the DVLA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is V5C proof of ownership?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. The V5C proves who is the registered keeper, not who legally owns the vehicle. Ownership is usually proven by a sales receipt, invoice, or bill of sale. However, completing the V5C correctly ensures the registered keeper is updated, which protects you from fines or liability after the sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I tax my car if my V5C logbook is missing?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your logbook is missing, you can still tax your car, but you\u2019ll need to apply for a replacement V5C first using the V62 form. However, if you have the V11 tax reminder letter sent by the DVLA, you can tax your car online, by phone, or at a post office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrapping Up: How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filling in the V5C correctly is one of the most important steps when selling a car in the UK. The process itself is simple, but accuracy matters. Completing the right section, giving the buyer the green slip, and notifying the DVLA immediately ensures the vehicle is no longer linked to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a few extra minutes to follow the correct steps. It protects you from fines, prevents future disputes, and allows both seller and buyer to move forward with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The most common mistake when selling a car is failing to fill out the V5C correctly. This can lead to penalties and unexpected letters months later. If you want a smooth sale, this simple guide walks you through how to fill in the V5C and register a new keeper the right way. Key Takeaways: How [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":11765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1,8,172],"tags":[1859,986,843],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11747"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11747"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11977,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11747\/revisions\/11977"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}